Police: Man assaults, chokes pregnant girlfriend

Police said a Hellertown man assaulted his girlfriend Friday night, ripping out chunks of her hair and choking her.

Richard Aaron York III, 19, of 745 Front St. is charged with aggravated assault, terroristic threats, simple assault, disorderly conduct, harassment, underage drinking and criminal mischief. He was sent to Northampton County Prison under $20,000 bail.

According to court records:

At 5 p.m., police were called to the area near York's home for a report of a hysterical woman.

Police said they found Kaylee O'Donnell, who told police she was pregnant and had been assaulted by her boyfriend.

O'Donnell told police that she and York had an argument that escalated into a physical fight. She told police York had grabbed her by the neck, thrown her down and choked her.

Police said York held his hand over her mouth and told her she had "better stop crying" or he'd kill her.

She told police that as she tried to walk away, York grabbed the purse she had wrapped around her waist, dragged her and smashed her cellphone.

O'Donnell's injuries included bleeding, bruises and missing chunks of hair.

Police said York fled from his home, but was arrested when he returned a short time later.